This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
When discussing the greatest catchers in baseball history, the name of Hall of Famer Johnny Bench is quick to be mentioned. In 1970 and again in 1972, Bench led the National League in home runs and RBI, earning him MVP honors both times. His 389 lifetime round-trippers at the plate are balanced by his 10 Gold Gloves behind it. Bench was an essential cog that propelled the "Big Red Machine" to consecutive championships in 1975 and 1976. Coming off his successful "Rookie of the Year" season, this beautiful 1969 Topps GEM MINT specimen sports "The Little General" in his familiar pose against a deep green grass backdrop, perfectly placed within an alabaster white border. The photo is so sharp and well-registered that you can distinguish between individual blades of grass on the field. Each corner oozes perfection, with the brilliant white enamel remaining unadulterated out to the extreme tips. The reverse is a healthy and robust hot pink that appears as if it just left the Topps factory only a few minutes ago. One 8 others have ever achieved the highest rung on PSA's grading ladder.